The journey of an entrepreneur is one of constant evolution—a path shaped by curiosity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. For Behin Forghanifar, Founder and Principal of BEHINTERIORS and JABEH, design is more than aesthetics; it is a language that tells stories, bridges cultures, and breathes life into spaces.
In an industry where creativity meets structure, Behin has carved her own path, navigating the predominantly male world of construction with quiet confidence and an unwavering commitment to her craft. She finds strength in knowledge, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow. With each visit to a showroom, every exploration of new materials, and through deep collaboration with artisans, she nurtures a design philosophy that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural authenticity.
Yet, beyond the beauty she creates, it is the personal rituals that sustain her—the quiet moments of reflection, the notebook on her desk filled with achievements, a tangible reminder of her journey. Through Behinteriors and Jabeh, Behin transforms spaces into stories, each one a testament to artistry, heritage, and the power of lifelong learning.
Crafting Spaces, Honoring Heritage, and Redefining Design
Behin is an architect and interior designer, born and raised in Tehran and now based in New York City. She is the founder and principal of Behinteriors, a full-service interior design studio, as well as the founder of Jabeh, a newly launched home décor brand.
Growing up in a family of artists and designers, Behin was immersed in creativity from an early age. Her parents prioritized exposing her and her sisters to art, culture, and architecture through travel and exploration across their homeland. These experiences nurtured her appreciation for design and sparked a lifelong passion for architecture.
Her journey into interior design began with a deeply personal project—assisting her parents in the renovation of their home. Overseeing the architectural process while curating materials, lighting, and décor, she saw firsthand the transformative power of design. Witnessing the joy her work brought to her family solidified her passion for creating environments that enhance happiness and personal expression. This realization led her to transition into interior design in 2014 after five years of practicing architecture.
After nearly a decade of industry experience, Behin founded Behinteriors, driven by the desire to bring her own vision and design philosophy to life. Beyond aesthetics, she finds deep fulfillment in the collaborative nature of her work, partnering with vendors, clients, and fellow designers to craft unique and meaningful spaces. To her, entrepreneurship is a lifelong learning experience—one that challenges her to grow not only as a designer but also as a leader and as an individual.
In February 2025, just before the first anniversary of her interior design business, she launched Jabeh, a platform celebrating Middle Eastern art and culture on a global scale. Since moving to the U.S., she had envisioned a way to merge her love for design with her heritage, and with Jabeh, that vision became a reality. Through both of her ventures, Behin continues to shape spaces and stories, infusing them with artistry, culture, and personal expression.
A Holistic Approach to Interior Design
One of the greatest challenges in residential interior design, particularly for private homes, is managing client expectations. Every family carries a unique story, lifestyle, and vision, and Behin Forghanifar sees her role as translating these elements into spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. She navigates this process through active listening, clear communication, and setting realistic expectations from the outset. By explaining the design journey and addressing potential challenges early on, she fosters transparency and trust—key ingredients for a seamless and successful collaboration.
Behin’s multidisciplinary background as an architect, design educator, and part-time musician enriches every aspect of her interior design practice. Architecture has equipped her with technical expertise and a deep understanding of construction details—one of the most valuable assets an interior designer can possess. Her experience teaching at the university level has sharpened her leadership and communication skills, enabling her to effectively guide clients and teams through complex design processes.
Together, these influences—architecture, teaching, and music—have broadened her creative perspective, deepened her appreciation for global design, and ultimately inspired her to launch Behinteriors and Jabeh. Through her work, Behin continues to shape spaces that not only reflect personal expression but also celebrate artistry and cultural heritage.
Strength of Women in the Industry
Behin believes that empowerment begins with self-belief. As women, she recognizes that strengths are often underestimated, yet the very qualities that define femininity—nurturing instincts, sensitivity, and deep attentiveness—are invaluable assets in the world of design. With an innate ability to listen, empathize, and focus on detail, women create spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally enriching. Behin embraces these qualities in her own work and encourages other women in the field to do the same.
Beyond her design practice, she is committed to empowering women through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Whether by guiding emerging designers or partnering with female-owned businesses, she firmly believes that when women support one another, they all rise together.
This philosophy extends to her project management approach, where communication and organization are at the heart of her success. One particularly challenging project—a private residence renovation—was struggling due to a lack of clear coordination and leadership. Stepping in, Behin implemented structured team meetings, regular site visits, and transparent communication with all stakeholders, ensuring that clients, contractors, and vendors remained aligned. This proactive strategy not only accelerated the project’s progress but also kept the client engaged and confident throughout the process.
By fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment, Behin strengthens relationships with builders and partners, ensuring that every project is built on trust, mutual respect, and shared vision. These key elements—clear communication, organization, and a strong sense of partnership—have been fundamental to her success, both in design and in business.
Balancing Vision, Functionality, and Innovation
Every design project Behin takes on begins with an in-person consultation—an essential first step in understanding the client’s space, needs, and budget. Setting a clear vision from the outset ensures alignment and transparency, creating a collaborative foundation for the design process. Throughout the journey, she encourages open dialogue and regular feedback, allowing for adjustments that keep the project in sync with the client’s evolving priorities.
Navigating the unique challenges of small NYC apartments has become one of Behin’s strengths. With space constraints, budget considerations, and the desire for a luxurious aesthetic often competing, she simplifies the process by helping clients prioritize their design needs. For example, if a multifunctional living room that accommodates an office is essential for a client’s lifestyle, she ensures that aspect is addressed first before refining other areas. This methodical approach allows her to craft cohesive, functional, and visually appealing interiors, even within the tightest spaces.
To stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of design, Behin actively engages with industry innovations. She attends design events, subscribes to leading design publications, and continuously builds relationships with new vendors. Whenever possible, she visits showrooms to explore the latest in furniture, materials, and systems. This ongoing exposure to fresh ideas not only fuels her creativity but also ensures her work remains at the forefront of interior design trends.
Journey of Growth and Leadership in Design
Moving to a new country as a single adult meant starting from scratch—both personally and professionally—for Behin Forghanifar. The journey came with moments of self-doubt, especially when comparing her progress to that of her peers. However, she found strength in celebrating her achievements, regularly reflecting on the challenges she had overcome and the milestones she had reached. One simple yet powerful habit that keeps her grounded is writing down her strengths and accomplishments in a notebook on her desk—a constant reminder of her growth and resilience.
While interior design is a female-dominated profession, it often requires collaboration with the male-dominated construction industry, presenting its own set of challenges. Earning respect in these environments has been one of the greatest obstacles, but Behin has tackled it by staying highly educated, well-prepared, and confident in her expertise. She speaks up assertively, asks insightful questions, and prioritizes building relationships based on trust and mutual respect, ensuring a collaborative and professional working dynamic.
To the next generation of female leaders, Behin offers this advice: seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Join leadership communities, attend workshops, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support. Networking is essential for building connections and gaining new perspectives. But most importantly, believe in yourself—trust in your abilities, embrace leadership opportunities, and never shy away from making your voice heard.
The Future of BEHINTERIORS and JABEH
Over the next five years, Behin envisions significant growth for both Behinteriors and Jabeh. For Behinteriors, her goal is to expand her client base while building a team that shares her vision for crafting impactful, personalized spaces. As the business evolves, she plans to take on larger leadership roles, overseeing high-profile projects and mentoring a talented group of designers.
Her long-term aspiration is to seamlessly merge Jabeh and Behinteriors, allowing the authentic, artisan-crafted products from Jabeh to become an integral part of every interior project. This fusion will create a cohesive, culturally enriched design experience, where each space tells a story through carefully curated pieces. By integrating Jabeh’s offerings into her design work, Behin aims to not only elevate the aesthetic and narrative of her interiors but also to support local artisans and bring their craftsmanship to a broader audience. This strategic alignment will further solidify Jabeh’s presence in the design industry, positioning it as an essential element of the creative process at Behinteriors.
